Outdoor Lighting in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
3 verified outdoor lighting rules for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
Milwaukee zoning code requires cut-off light fixtures on all on-site lighting in every zoning district, capping illumination at the property line to prevent glare and light spilling onto neighboring properties.
Milwaukee Outdoor Lighting Cut-Off Fixture Rule
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-409
295-409. Lighting. In all zoning districts, with the exception of automatic changeable message signs, as provided in s. 295-407-4-d, all on-site lighting shall have cut-off fixtures that ensure that lighting levels and glare are controlled as follows: 1. No light source shall be visible from an adjoining property or public right-of-way. 2. Where adjoining properties are zoned residential, the m...
Light Trespass & Shielding
Artificial light that spills onto a neighboring residential property, or glares or flickers into it, between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a declared nuisance under Milwaukee's code, enforced only on a resident's written complaint.
Milwaukee Nuisance Light on Neighbors
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 80-19 (Vol. 1, Nuisance Light on Residential Properties)
GLARE AND SPILL LIGHT DECLARED A NUISANCE. Glare, spill and intermittent artificial light impacting on residential properties between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. which causes loss of enjoyment, comfort or repose, and use of such properties is declared a nuisance. 3. NUISANCE DETERMINED. a. Spill light shall be considered a nuisance when measurement in the neares...
Billboard Lighting
Milwaukee caps illuminated sign and billboard lighting at 1 foot-candle at a residential property line, 5 elsewhere, with cut-off fixtures required.
Milwaukee Billboard Lighting Limits
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-409 (Volume 2, Building and Zoning Code)
295-409. Lighting. In all zoning districts, with the exception of automatic changeable message signs, as provided in s. 295-407-4-d, all on-site lighting shall have cut-off fixtures that ensure that lighting levels and glare are controlled as follows: 1. No light source shall be visible from an adjoining property or public right-of-way. 2. Where adjoining properties are zoned residential, the m...
Looking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Outdoor Lighting in Milwaukee County →